Saudi Chicken Kabsa is a fragrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish that embodies the essence of Arabian cuisine. Made with spiced basmati rice, tender roasted chicken, and a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices, Kabsa is a staple dish in Saudi homes. Perfect for Ramadan, Eid, or any special gathering, this dish is both comforting and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Arabian Flavors – Infused with kabsa spices, dried limes, and warm aromatics.
- Perfect for Ramadan & Gatherings – A hearty dish ideal for serving family and guests.
- One-Pot Dish – The rice absorbs all the rich flavors from the broth and spices.
- Customizable – Can be made with lamb, beef, or even a vegetarian version.
- Easy Yet Impressive – Simple steps yield a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken legs (or a whole chicken, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 30 min)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large tomatoes (blended)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 dried limes (loomi)
- 1 tsp kabsa spice mix (or garam masala)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fried onions
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the chicken with this spice mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and roast for 35–40 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Rice
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic, blended tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the kabsa spice mix, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and dried limes (loomi).
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the soaked rice, stir, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Fluff the rice and transfer it to a large serving platter.
- Place the roasted chicken on top.
- Garnish with fried onions, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Lamb Kabsa – Substitute chicken with lamb, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Vegetarian Kabsa – Use chickpeas or mixed vegetables instead of meat.
- Spicy Kabsa – Add extra chili powder or fresh chili peppers.
- Nutty Kabsa – Garnish with toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Freezing: Kabsa rice can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for Kabsa?
Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
2. What is kabsa spice mix?
It’s a blend of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg.
3. Can I cook the chicken in the same pot as the rice?
Yes, you can sear the chicken first, remove it, cook the rice, then add the chicken back to finish cooking together.
4. What can I serve with Kabsa?
It pairs well with a side salad, yogurt sauce, or pickled vegetables.
5. Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of basmati?
Basmati is preferred for its fluffy texture, but long-grain rice can work if adjusted for cooking time.
6. How do I prevent my rice from being mushy?
Ensure you rinse and soak the rice beforehand and use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio.
7. What can I use instead of dried limes (loomi)?
You can substitute with fresh lime juice or lemon zest for a similar tangy flavor.
8. Can I cook this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the sauce, add the chicken and rice, then pressure cook for 10 minutes.
9. How do I make this dish more aromatic?
Toast whole spices before adding them to the dish to enhance their flavors.
10. Is Kabsa similar to Biryani?
Both are spiced rice dishes, but Kabsa has a distinct Arabian flavor with loomi and a different spice blend.
Conclusion
Saudi Chicken Kabsa is a delicious, aromatic dish that brings the rich flavors of the Arabian Peninsula to your table. Whether for a festive Ramadan meal or a family dinner, this dish offers a perfect balance of spices, tender chicken, and flavorful rice. Serve it with fresh herbs and lemon for an unforgettable dining experience.
